A shining light at the end of the tunnel.
These words rightly describes Vin Baker’s life story: A former big man playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics and other teams, but struggled with alcoholism (even ending up being arrested) and lost nearly $100 million.
But that is not the end of it. Things have taken a positive turn for the 43-year-old veteran, who is now training to be a manager at the Starbucks in his native place – North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
“In this company, there are opportunities for everyone,” the 6-foot-11 Baker told Washington Post.
“I have an excellent situation here at Starbucks, and the people are wonderful.”
For Baker, this has all been a part of process of redeeming himself after troubling times. He refuses to run away from it, and at the same time inform people to learn from his mistakes.
“When you learn lessons in life, no matter what level you’re at financially, the important part to realize is it could happen,” he said as quoted by the Providence Journal.
“I was an alcoholic. I lost a fortune. I had a great talent and lost it.”
“For me, I’m 43, and I have four kids. I have to pick up the pieces. I’m a father. I’m a minister in my father’s church. I have to take the story and show that you can bounce back. If I use my notoriety in the right way, most people will appreciate that this guy is just trying to bounce back in his life.”
As for basketball, Baker is still trying to be a mentor to the young NBA players who are signing multi-year contracts and receiving a huge sum of salary.
“I think when you’re giving guys who aren’t even All-Stars $80 million, there should be a framework in place where these kids can talk to someone.”
Until he gets that call, however, he’s focused on taking advantage of the second chance in life through the nation’s largest coffee shop chain.
Remeber Vin: He who controls the coffee controls the world.
Vin Baker was a NBA star. Made $100,000,000 in salaries. Now he works at Starbucks. Don't take anything for granted. pic.twitter.com/gc3Es94PeC
— Doctor NBA (@DoctorNBA) July 29, 2015
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